Multi-physics numerical simulation study on thermo-sensitive gel delivery for a local post-tumor surgery treatment

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Thermo-responsive hydrogels are explored for post-tumor resection cavity filling.
• Optimizing hydrogel injection is complex due to multi-physics phenomena like flow, heat transfer, and phase change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel thermo-sensitive hydrogel (Poloxamer 407 and Gellan Gum) for post-surgical cavity filling.
• To understand and predict the injection process of thermo-responsive hydrogels using multi-physics simulations.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of a thermo-sensitive hydrogel with Poloxamer 407 and Gellan Gum.
• Multi-physics simulations to model hydrogel flow, heat transfer, and phase transition during injection.
• Analysis of hydrogel distribution and gelation dynamics within a simulated cavity.

Main Results:

• Optimal injection conditions determined: hydrogel storage at 4°C and injection within 90 seconds.
• Simulations predicted symmetric hydrogel distribution within the cavity, minimally affected by syringe position.
• Temperature gradient at the cavity edge was found to delay gelation, ensuring liquid administration.

Conclusions:

• Multi-physics simulations confirm the potential of thermo-responsive hydrogels for post-tumor surgery.
• Defined optimal administration conditions for the proposed hydrogel formulation.
• The developed model is applicable to other thermo-responsive hydrogels and conditions.